ErbB2 and TGF-beta: a cooperative role in mammary tumor progression?

Cell Cycle. 2004 May;3(5):597-600. Epub 2004 May 25.

Abstract

Amplification and overexpression of ErbB2 (HER2/Neu) is one of the most common alterations associated with breast cancer. Activation of ErbB2 via homodimerization in a non-transformed human mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-10A, in basement membrane cultures leads to formation of proliferative structures that share properties with non-invasive early stage lesions. Recently, we have shown that activation of ErbB2 homodimers combined with expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta induces invasive and migratory activity in MCF-10A cells. In this system, migration requires inputs from numerous cellular pathways. We discuss this data and a model for migration induced by ErbB2 and TGF-beta. Concurrent studies by other groups have also shown that ErbB2 and TGF-beta can cooperate to increase metastatic and invasive behavior in murine mammary tumors. Here we discuss these studies and the potential implications of this research on breast cancer therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Receptor, ErbB-2